OFFERS approaching £600,000 are being invited for a Grays pub that closed down in 2023 in the wake of controversy over its policy of displaying golly dolls in the public bar.

The licensees of the White Hart announced they were quitting the business after police raided the premises and took away the dolls in April.

Ultimately no charges were pursued against Chris and Benice Ryley, who said they believe they were victims of 'woke' propaganda.

In the wake of the police visit and the allegations the couple were guilty of a hate crime, the pub was attacked and windows smashed.

Ultimately Mr and Mrs Ryley left the pub and went into retirement, saying they were victims of an overreaction by the police that had irrevocably damaged their business. Nub News previously reported the couple were also in troubled negotiations over the lease with the pub's owners and the golly incident was 'the final straw'.

In May Admiral Taverns, the company which owns the pub building, said: "The licensees have made us aware of their decision to leave the pub.

"We will be looking to reopen the pub under the management of new licensees."

However, the grade II-listed pub has now been placed on the open market via property agents Savills.

Savills describe the property as: "Comprising a two-storey detached building with a multi-pitched tiled roof and brick elevations.

"The ground floor provides an open trading area with a central bar servery and a private function room to the rear of the property with internal and external access. Ancillary areas include customer WC's and a manager's office.

"The first floor provides eight single bed letting rooms, with three bathrooms and communal kitchen, accessed externally from the rear of the property as well as internally from behind the bar. The manager's accommodation comprises a bedroom, lounge, office and bathroom.

"There is an enclosed beer garden to the rear of the property as well as a detached outbuilding which has been converted to provide two further en-suite letting. There is car parking to the side of the property for circa 12 vehicles."

Savills are also handling the sale of the freehold of the neighbouring Theobald arms pub, though it is on the market with existing leases continuing to run the business. The freehold of the Theobald Arms is valued at £615,000. Currently the licensees pay an annual rent of £45,000 per annum on a lease that runs until September 2031

Related story:

Landlady's emotive message: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/police-action-led-to-closure-of-pub-says-landlady-of-white-hart-as-she-closes-doors-for-last-time-following-golly-controversy-182245